Sailfest Overview
SAILFEST – New Jersey's Largest Sailing Festival for 30 Years!
Always the first Saturday after Labor Day
This is New Jersey's Largest Sailing Festival - a community event organized by Toms River Rotary for over 30 years. It’s a region wide festival for families and everyone who loves boating, sailing, sailors or anything nautical. We typically attract over 15,000 people to Tom’s River from throughout New Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia.
The next Sailfest NJ will be held on September 9, 2023 at it's usual Island Heights NJ location.
We look forward to once again celebrating with the ‘wind-in-our-sails’ thanks to the community's love of Sailfest for the over 30 years. The event will continue to include Sail Race Regattas as well as all the great music, art, crafts, raffles, food, beer, kids activities and other nautical things which thousands of Sailfest fans throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York have grown to love!
So get ready to ‘hoist your sails’, start following our Sailfest NJ Facebook Page and consider helping us out as a volunteer (just email us at Rotary@SailfestNJ.com)
Businesses and Community Organizations: Don't get left at the dock!
Limited Vendor spaces, Sponsorships and Advertising go on 'sail' beginning March 15th.
Space is limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis at the links above/below:
100% of Sailfest NJ profits are distributed to charities throughout the region by the Toms River Rotary Charitable Foundation.
The Sailfest New Jersey Committee
If you have any questions, ideas or are interested in helping, please email us at Rotary@SailfestNJ.com
History of Sailfest:
Sailfest is Rotary of Toms River’s largest event which helps to make a difference in our wonderful community. 100% of the profits are distributed to charities throughout the region by the Tom's River Rotary Charitable Foundation.
Launched in 1991 as a small sailboat race and shore party, it was held in Huddy Park, Toms River. By 1995, Sailfest had grown so much it was moved to River Avenue in Island Heights and has since become one of the premier Family Fun Days at the Jersey Shore, now drawing more than 15,000 visitors annually. A sailing regatta happens early in the day with 2 winner’s cups being presented at the Toms River Yacht Club. The Winner of the PHRF Fleet is given The Rotary Sailfest Cup. The winner of the A-Cat Class is presented the Rotary Governor’s Cup.
On land, we start the day with a Veterans / 9-11 Reflection Ceremony at the main stage, honoring men and women who have served our country or were lost during the events of 9-11. The culmination of the Reflection Ceremony is a symbolic wreath laying in Letter Park.
The land event has changed over the years, but typically includes:
- More than 100 vendors, crafters, artists, and informational booths
- A fantastic food area with unique food trucks from throughout the region
- The Kids Zone – inflatables, face painting, mermaids and pirates just for the kids
- All day musical entertainment culminating with a big name concert until 10pm
- An adult beverage area with beer and wine
- Sailfest NJ apparel with different designs every year by a local artist
- An exciting cash 50/50 raffle which typically gives away over $1000
- A convenient onsite ATM
- and much more!
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